Camarillo Municipal Code Ch. 17.04 Sign Regulations (private Property)

The purposes and intent of these sign regulations include to:

A. Regulate signs located on private property within the city and on property owned by public agencies other than the city and over which the city has zoning and land use regulatory power.

B. Implement the city's community design and safety standards as set forth in the city's general plan, specific plans, special districts, design guidelines and municipal code.

C. Maintain and enhance the city's appearance by regulating the design, character, location, number, type, quality of materials, size, illumination and maintenance of signs.

D. Serve the city's interests in maintaining and enhancing its visual appeal for residents, tourists and other visitors by preventing the degradation of visual quality which can result from excessive and poorly designed, located or maintained signage.

E. Generally limit commercial signage to on-site locations in order to protect the aesthetic environment from the visual clutter associated with the unrestricted proliferation of signs, while providing channels of communication to the public.

F. Limit the size and number of signs to levels that reasonably allow for the identification of a residential, public or commercial location and the nature of any such commercial business.

G. Encourage signs that are appropriate to the zoning district in which they are located and consistent with the permitted uses of the subject property.

H. Establish sign sizes in relationship to the scale of the parcel and building on which the sign is to be placed or to which it pertains.

I. Minimize the possible adverse effects of signs on nearby public and private property, including streets, roads and highways.

J. Protect the investments in property and lifestyle quality made by persons who choose to live, work or do business in the city.

K. Protect and improve pedestrian and vehicular traffic safety by balancing the need for signs that facilitate the safe and smooth flow of traffic (e.g., directional signs and on-site signs) without an excess of signage which may distract drivers or overload their capacity to quickly receive information.

L. Reduce hazardous situations, confusion and visual clutter caused by the proliferation, placement, illumination, animation and excessive height, area and bulk of signs which compete for the attention of pedestrian and vehicular traffic.

M. Regulate signs in a manner so as to not to physically interfere with or obstruct the vision of pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

N. Avoid unnecessary and time consuming approval requirements for certain minor or temporary signs that do not require review for compliance with the city's building and electrical codes, while limiting the size and number of such signs so as to minimize visual clutter.

O. Respect and protect the right of free speech by sign display, while reasonably regulating the structural, locational and other noncommunicative aspects of signs, generally for the public health, safety, welfare and specifically to serve the public interests in community aesthetics and traffic and pedestrian safety.

P. Enable the fair, consistent and efficient enforcement of the sign regulations of the city.

Q. Regulate signs in a constitutional manner, which is content neutral as to noncommercial signs and viewpoint neutral as to commercial signs. All administrative interpretations and discretion are to be exercised in light of this policy and consistent with the purposes and intent stated in this section.

(Ord. 979 § 3 (part), 2005.)

The words, phrases and terms used in this chapter will have the meaning set forth in this section unless another meaning is clearly apparent from the context.

"Banner sign" means a temporary sign publicizing a unique happening, action, purpose or occasion and constructed of lightweight cloth, canvas, paper or similar material.

"Business associates sign" means lettering on the building or windows of a building indicating the owners, operators or associates of the business or occupancy.

"Changeable copy sign" means a sign that is characterized by changeable copy, letters, symbols, or numerals.

"Commercial message" means any wording, logo or other representation that, directly or indirectly, names, advertises or calls attention to a commercial or industrial business, product, good, service or other commercial or industrial activity.

"Commercial sign" means any sign that is intended to attract attention to a commercial or industrial business, occupancy, product, good, service, or other commercial or industrial activity for a commercial or industrial purpose.

"Construction sign" means a temporary sign denoting the architects, engineers, owners, lenders, contractors, future tenants and others associated with a construction project, but which contains no other advertising matter.

"Department" means the department of community development of the city of Camarillo.

"Direct lighting" means a light source used which is detached from the sign to illuminate the sign surface.

"Director" means the director of the community development department or the director's designee.

"Directory sign" means a sign illustrating the general site plan and listing the businesses or establishments within an office complex, shopping center or industrial complex showing the locations of various buildings, uses or occupancies on a single display surface.

"Display surface" means that area of a sign or area structure utilized for displaying copy, messages or display.

"Double-face sign" means a sign that has two display surfaces, backed against each other or against the same supporting structure in such a manner that each display surface is designed to be viewed from a different direction.

"Election period" means the period commencing ninety days before any national, state, or local election in which city electors may vote up through the date of the election.

"Erect" means to build, construct, attach, hang, place, suspend or affix to or upon any surface.

"Face or wall of a building" means the outer surface of any main exterior wall or foundation of a building, including windows and store fronts.

"Flashing sign" means any sign which, by method or manner of illumination, flashes, winks or blinks with varying light intensity, shows motion, or creates the illusion of motion, or revolves in a manner to create the illusion of being on or off.

"Freestanding sign" means any sign supported by a structure, including, but not limited to, one or more upright poles or rock, block, bicycle or masonry base in or upon the ground, other than an outdoor advertising structure, and not attached to a building.

"Fuel pricing sign" means a sign indicating, and limited to, the brand or trade name, method of sale, grade designation and price per gallon of gasoline or other motor vehicle fuel offered for sale on the premises and such other information as may be required by law.

"Future construction sign" means a sign indicating the future location of a building and the developer of such building.

"Hand-held sign" means a sign that is held by or otherwise mounted on a person. For the purposes of this chapter, hand-held sign does not include a noncommercial sign.

"Identification sign" means a sign that contains only the name, trademark or symbol, or address, of the building or occupant of the property.

"Illegal sign" means: (a) any sign originally erected or installed without first complying with all structural, locational, design, building and electrical regulations in effect at the time of its construction or installation; (b) any commercial sign that is not maintained, or is not used to identify or advertise an ongoing business, occupancy, product, good or service available on the site of the sign for more than ninety days; (c) any unsafe sign; (d) any legal nonconforming sign that has not been removed following the expiration of any applicable amortization period provided in this code; and (e) any sign that is in violation of the provisions of this chapter.

"Incidental sign" means a sign indicating credit cards accepted, trade affiliations, no solicitation, no trespassing and similar property-related matters.

"Industrial park" means a group of four or more industries, developed as an independent entity under a common plan and design with common off-street parking as an integral part thereof, the single units of which entity do not have direct access to a public street but with the entity as a whole having such direct access.

"Inflatable sign" means a sign that is inflated by air or other gaseous matter.

"Interior illumination" means the placement of lights on the interior of a sign panel designed to evenly distribute the source of light upon the translucent sign surface.

"Legal nonconforming sign" means a sign that was originally erected or installed in compliance with all structural, locational, design, building and electrical regulations at the time of its erection or installation, but which no longer conforms to the provisions of this chapter.

"Lighted sign" means a sign that is illuminated by any source, whether internal, external or indirect.

"Marquee sign" means a sign affixed to a building that projects into a public or private right-of-way and which is typically used to identify movie or live performance or event attractions.

"Master sign program" means a plan showing the location, dimensions, area, color, lighting and materials of all signs located on a single parcel or parcels, either under the same ownership or under the same planned development permit.

"Menu board sign" means a wall or monument sign displaying a list of items available with prices at a drive-through business for the purpose of taking drive-through orders.

"Mobile sign" means the use of a moving trailer, automobile, truck, bicycle or any other vehicle to display commercial or noncommercial messages primarily for advertising purposes unrelated to the principal use of such vehicle.

"Monument sign" means a sign supported by a base constructed of concrete, block or rock material placed in or upon the ground that has no air space, columns or supports visible between the ground and the bottom of the sign.

"Moving, rotating or animated sign" means a sign which rotates, moves, flashes, blinks, or directs attention to or advertises with human or animal figures or has animated movement by a sequence or series of flashing, flickering, rotating or blinking lights, excepting therefrom any sign as may show date, time, temperature or barometric information only.

"Multitenant sign" means a sign listing the names of the various tenants, which do not have direct access or visibility to a public street, occupying a building or buildings on a parcel of land or multiple parcels of land approved under a common plan with common off-street parking and access.

"Noncommercial message" means any wording, logo or other representation that does not directly or indirectly, name, advertise or calls attention to a commercial or industrial business, product, good, service or other commercial or industrial activity.

"Noncommercial sign" means a sign that does not name, advertise or call attention of a commercial or industrial business, commodity, product, good, service or other commercial or industrial activity for a commercial or industrial purpose.

"Office complex" means a group of four or more separate offices, developed as an independent functioning entity under a common plan and design with common off-street parking as an integral part of the plan and where the separate offices do not have direct access to a public street, but the complex as a whole has such direct access.

"Off-site sign" means a commercial sign not located on the site of the business or entity indicated or advertised by the sign, or a commercial sign advertising a commodity, good, product, service or other commercial or industrial activity which originates on a site other than where the sign is maintained. Off-site sign includes outdoor advertising structures.

"On-site sign" means any sign which directs attention to an occupancy, business, commodity, good, product, service or other activity conducted, sold or offered upon the site where the sign is maintained. For the purposes of this chapter, all signs with noncommercial messages are deemed to be on-site, regardless of location.

"Outdoor advertising structure" means a sign erected for the purpose of advertising a product, event, person or subject not related to the premises on which the sign is located (i.e., a billboard).

"Permanent sign" means any sign which is intended to be and is constructed as to be of lasting and enduring condition, remaining unchanged in character, condition (beyond normal wear and tear) and position and in a permanent manner affixed to the ground, wall or building.

"Political Sign" means a sign where text or images are limited to noncommercial speech pertaining to global, national, state, or local candidates or issues or other protected political expression.

"Portable sign" means a freestanding sign that is not permanently affixed, anchored or secured to either the ground or a structure on the premises it is intended to occupy, but does not include hand-held signs. For the purposes of this chapter, a portable sign does not include a noncommercial sign.

"Projecting sign" means a sign mounted on the wall or building face or structure and the display surface of which projects more than twelve inches from the face of the building.

"Public convenience sign" means a sign that serves the public safety or convenience, such as a sign that indicates the entrance or exit to a property, identifies parking areas, or provides regulatory or service information of a noncommercial character.

"Real estate sign" means any temporary sign that relates to the sale, lease or exchange of all or a portion of the premises upon which it is located.

"Roof sign" means a sign erected upon or wholly supported by the roof of a structure.

"Shopping center" means a group of four or more separate stores, developed as an independent functioning entity under a common plan and design with common off-street parking as an integral part of the design, and the single units of the entity do not have direct access to a public street, but the entity as a whole does have such direct access.

"Sign" means any device, fixture, placard or structure, including its component parts, which draws attention to an object, product, place, activity, opinion, person, institution, organization, or place of business, or which identifies or promotes the interests of any person and which is to be viewed from any public street, road, highway, right-of-way or parking area. The following are not within the definition of "sign" for the regulatory purposes of this title:

1. Any public or legal notice required by a court or public agency;

2. Decorative or architectural features of buildings, except letters, trademarks or moving parts;

3. Symbols of noncommercial organizations or concepts including, but not limited to, religious or political symbols, when such are permanently integrated into the structure of a permanent building which is otherwise legal;

4. Signs on street legal vehicles, license plates, license plate frames, registration insignia, including noncommercial messages, messages relating to the business or service of which the vehicle is an instrument or tool (not including general advertising) and messages relating to the proposed sale, lease or exchange of the vehicle;

5. Traffic, directional, emergency, warning or informational signs required or authorized by a government agency having jurisdiction;

6. Permanent memorial or historical signs, plaques or markers;

7. Public utility signs; and

8. Newsracks that are otherwise subject to regulation under this code.

"Sign face" means that portion of a sign intended to be viewed from one direction at a time.

"Temporary sign" means any sign constructed of cloth, canvas, light fabric, cardboard, wallboard, wood or other light materials, with or without frames, intended to be displayed for a limited period of time.

"Unsafe sign" means a sign posing an immediate peril or reasonably foreseeable threat of injury or damage to persons or property on account of the condition of the sign structure or its mounting mechanism.

"Wall sign" means a sign applied to or mounted on or painted on the surface of a building and the display surface of which is parallel to or on the wall surface and which has no portion that projects more than twelve inches from the wall surface.

"Window sign" means any sign placed in a window or attached to the interior side of a window surface or painted on the exterior or interior side of a window surface, or otherwise located within six inches of the window so as to be visible from the exterior of the building. This definition does not include window displays of merchandise offered for sale or incidental signs. A window sign painted on the exterior surface of a window must be sealed in a manner that preserves the sign and protects it from damage or defacement.

"Zone" means the zone district designation, definition or classification designated in Title 19 of this code.

The following definitions contained in Title 19 of this code (as they may be amended) apply to the provisions of this title:

1. Front yard (Section 19.04.825);

2. Parcel (Section 19.04.595);

3. Rear yard (Section 19.04.830);

4. Side yard (Section 19.04.835);

5. Street (Section 19.04.745).

(Ord. 979 § 3 (part), 2005.)

(Ord. No. 1098, § 1, 10-8-2014; Ord. No. 1122, § 3, 3-23-2016; Ord. No. 2020, § 3(A), 6-12-2024)

This chapter regulates signs located on private property within all zoning districts of the city. This chapter also applies to signs within public rights-of-way, and to property owned by public agencies other than the city and over which the city has zoning and land use regulatory power. Except where otherwise expressly provided in this chapter, all signs located in such areas of the city must be erected and maintained in conformity with this chapter.

(Ord. 979 § 3 (part), 2005.)

A. Sign Permit Required. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this chapter, it is unlawful for any person to place, erect, structurally or electrically alter, change commercial message copy (except for changeable copy signs), move, or display any temporary or permanent sign without first obtaining a sign permit from the department in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. No additional sign permit is required for cleaning or other normal maintenance of a previously approved sign, unless a structural or electrical change is made.

B. Owner's Consent Required. The consent of the property owner or person in control or possession of the property is required before any sign may be erected on any private property within the city.

C. Noncommercial Signs. Noncommercial signs are allowed wherever commercial signage is permitted and are subject to the same standards and total maximum allowances per site or building of each sign type specified in this chapter. A permit is required for a permanent noncommercial sign only when a permanent commercial sign has not been previously approved. For purposes of this chapter, all noncommercial messages are deemed to be on-site, regardless of location.

D. Substitution of Noncommercial Messages. Subject to the consent of the property owner or person in control or possession of the property, a noncommercial message of any type may be substituted for all or part of the commercial or noncommercial message on any sign allowed under this chapter. No special or additional approval is required to substitute a noncommercial message for any other message on a permitted sign, provided the sign structure is already approved or exempt from the sign permit requirement and no structural or electrical change is made. When a noncommercial message is substituted for any other message; however, the sign is still subject to the same design, locational and structural regulations (e.g., color, materials, size, height, illumination, maintenance, duration of display etc.) as well as all building and electrical code requirements, as would apply, if the sign were used to display a commercial message. In the event of any perceived or actual conflict between the general provisions of this subsection and any other specific provisions in this chapter, the provisions of this subsection will prevail.

E. Substitution of Commercial Messages. The substitution of one commercial message for another commercial message is not automatically allowed nor is the free substitution of a commercial message in a place where only a noncommercial message is allowed. In addition, no off-site commercial messages may be substituted for on-site commercial messages.

F. Legal Nature of Sign Rights and Duties. All rights, duties and responsibilities related to permanent signs attach to the land on which the sign is erected or displayed and run with the land or personal property. The city may demand compliance with this chapter and with the terms of any sign permit from the permit holder, the owner of the sign, the property owner or person in control or possession of the property, or the person erecting the sign.

(Ord. 979 § 3 (part), 2005.)

A. The following signs do not require a sign permit under Section 17.04.060 of this chapter, nor will the area of such signs be included in the maximum area of signs permitted; provided, however, that each such sign must comply with all applicable requirements of this chapter. The intent of this section is to avoid unnecessary or time-consuming review procedures where certain permitted signs are minor or temporary or the erection of such sign does not require review for compliance with the city's building or electrical codes.

1. Political signs;

2. Construction signs;

3. Hand-held noncommercial signs;

4. Incidental signs; provided, that the maximum sign area for all such signs does not exceed six square feet per use or occupancy on a parcel;

5. Real estate signs;

6. Temporary freestanding noncommercial signs permitted by Section 17.04.090(J) of this chapter;

7. Window signs.

B. Political Signs on Public Property. Political Signs are not permitted on public property or in the public right-of-way. Political Signs placed on public property or in the public right-of-way will be removed pursuant to Section 17.04.140.

(Ord. 979 § 3 (part), 2005.)

(Ord. No. 2020, § 3(B), 6-12-2024)

A. Purpose. The purpose of a sign permit is to help ensure compliance with the provisions of this chapter, in particular, the provisions regulating the design, illumination, location, materials, number, size and type of sign.

B. Sign Permit Application Process.

1. Where specifically required by this chapter, an application for a sign permit must be made in writing on the form provided by the department and accompanied by any required materials, plans and exhibits and the required fee established by city council resolution.

2. The director shall initially determine whether the application contains all the information and items required by the provisions of this chapter and may be deemed complete.

3. All notices required by this chapter are deemed given upon the date, any such notice is either deposited in the United States mail or the date upon which personal service of such notice is provided.

4. No sign permit application will be accepted, if:

a. The applicant has installed a sign in violation of the provisions of this chapter and, at the time of submission of the application, each illegal sign has not been legalized, removed or included in the application.

b. There is any other existing code violation located on the site of the proposed sign(s) (other than an illegal sign that is not owned or controlled by the applicant and is located at a different business location on the site from that for which the approval is sought) that has not been cured at the time of the application.

c. The sign permit application is substantially the same as an application previously denied, unless: (i) twelve months have elapsed since the date of the last application, or (ii) new evidence or proof of changed conditions is furnished in the new application.

d. The applicant has not submitted for processing or obtained any applicable use permit.

C. Standard Sign Permit Review Process.

1. After receiving a complete sign permit application, the director shall cause the application to be reviewed and render a written decision to approve or deny the application within ten business days.

2. Determinations on sign permit applications are to be guided by the standards and criteria set forth in this chapter. An application shall be approved whenever the proposed sign conforms to all design, size, height and other standards for signs subject to a permit requirement; as such requirements are set forth in this chapter.

3. The director may refer certain sign permit applications to the planning commission for review. Such determination should be made within ten days of a complete application and acted upon by the planning commission within sixty days or concurrent with any related and required project approval that is presented to the planning commission. The planning commission's approval may be conditional so as to ensure compliance with the purposes and provisions of this chapter.

4. An application may be granted either in whole or in part when more than one sign or location is proposed by an applicant. When an application is denied in whole or in part, the determination of the director or planning commission must be in writing and must specify the grounds for such denial.

D. Sign Permit Review: Master Sign Programs, Modifications and Variances.

1. Master Sign Programs. The director has the authority to authorize master sign programs with specific design standards to enable reasonable flexibility for unique circumstances and special design themes.

2. Modifications. The director may grant slight modifications in or approve signs deviating from the provisions of this chapter or any limitations imposed upon the use or general design of the sign and may authorize modifications from the permitted sign area, height or setback requirements not to exceed ten percent. Before granting any such minor modification, the director must make the applicable variance findings as set forth in Chapter 19.66 of this code.

3. Variances. The planning commission may grant variances from the provisions of this chapter for the erection and maintenance of signs when difficulties, unnecessary hardship or results inconsistent with the general purpose of this chapter would otherwise occur and would deprive the owner of rights enjoyed by others. The application and review process for a sign variance will follow the applicable procedures set forth in Chapter 19.66 of this code.

E. Time Limit. Signs authorized by a permit issued pursuant to this chapter must be erected within one year of the issuance of the permit; otherwise, the approval will be null and void.

F. Revocation of a Sign Permit. Subject to Section 17.04.150 of this chapter, the director may revoke any permit approval upon refusal of the permit holder to comply with the provisions of this chapter after written notice of noncompliance was issued and at least fifteen days opportunity to cure.

(Ord. 979 § 3 (part), 2005.)

A. Location Standards.

1. Except as specifically provided in this chapter, no sign may be located upon or project over a public right-of-way.

2. Except as specifically provided in this chapter, no sign may extend above the eave line or parapet or the lowest point on the sloping roof of the building on which it is located.

3. Signs must be designed and located so as not to interfere with the unobstructed clear view of the public right-of-way and nearby traffic regulatory signs or any pedestrian, bicyclist or motor vehicle driver.

4. All signs authorized under this chapter must be placed on the side of the property facing on a public or private right-of-way.

B. Sign Height. Sign height will be measured using the greatest vertical measurement from grade level along the base of the sign structure to the highest point of the sign.

C. Sign Area. The surface area of any sign face will be computed from the smallest rectangles, circles or triangles which will enclose all words, letters, figures, symbols, designs and pictures, together with all framing, background material, colored or illuminated areas, and attention-attracting devices forming an integral part of the overall display, but excluding all support structures, except that:

1. Superficial ornamentation or symbol-type appendages of a nonmessage-bearing character which do not exceed five percent of the surface area will be exempted from computation.

2. Wall signs painted on or affixed directly to a building wall, facade or roof, and having no discernible boundary, will have the areas between letters, words intended to be read together, and any device intended to draw attention to the sign message included in any computation of surface area.

3. Signs placed in such a manner, or bearing a text, as to require dependence upon each other in order to convey meaning will be considered one sign and the intervening areas between signs included in any computation of surface area.

4. Spherical, cylindrical or other three-dimensional signs not having conventional sign faces will be computed from the smallest three-dimensional geometrical shape or shapes which will best approximate the actual surface area of such faces up to an eight-sided shape.

5. Logos and graphics will be included as part of the calculation of sign area.

(Ord. 979 § 3 (part), 2005.)

Each permanent sign that requires a permit must comply with the following standards:

A. Materials and Colors. All permanent signs must be constructed of durable materials that are compatible in appearance to the building supporting or identified by the sign. Sign colors and materials should be selected to be compatible with the existing building designs and should contribute to legibility and design integrity.

B. Relationship to Buildings. Each permanent sign located upon a site with more than one main building, such as a commercial, office or industrial complex must be designed to incorporate the materials common or similar to all buildings.

C. Relationship to Other Signs. Where there is more than one sign on a site or building, all permanent signs must have designs that similarly treat or incorporate the following design elements:

1. Type of construction materials;

2. Sign/letter color and style of copy;

3. Method used for supporting sign (i.e., wall or ground base);

4. Sign cabinet or other configuration of sign area;

5. Illumination; and

6. Location.

D. Sign Illumination. Illumination from or upon any sign must be shaded, shielded, directed or reduced so as to minimize light spillage onto the public right-of-way or adjacent properties, and in no event may illumination be permitted to cause such excessive glare as to constitute a potential hazard to traffic safety. Externally illuminated signs must be lighted by screened or hidden light sources.

E. Construction. Every sign, and all parts, portions and materials thereof, must be manufactured, assembled and erected in compliance with all applicable state, federal and city regulations, including the city's building code and electrical code. Under no circumstances may a permanent sign have an exposed back.

F. Maintenance. Every sign and all parts, portions and materials must be maintained in good repair. The display surface of all signs must be kept clean, neatly painted, and free from rust, cracking, peeling, corrosion or other states of disrepair. This maintenance obligation includes the replacement of malfunctioning or burned out lamps, replacement of broken faces, repainting of rust, chipped or peeling structures or faces within fifteen days following written notification by the city. When there is a change or discontinuance of a business or occupancy such that a sign no longer represents a place of business or occupancy, the sign must be removed or the name of the prior business or occupant either removed, or the sign face covered in a manner that blends with the building or supporting structure.

G. Restoration of Building or Property Upon Sign Removal. Within thirty days of the removal of a sign from a building wall or from the grounds of the premises if a freestanding sign, the wall of the building or the grounds of the premises must be repaired and restored to remove any visible damage or blemish left by the removal of the sign.

(Ord. 979 § 3 (part), 2005.)

The following signs are permitted in all zones subject to the applicable regulations:

A. Construction Signs.

1. Number. Any parcel with construction activity under a valid building permit is permitted one construction sign. A house improvement project shall be permitted one sign.

2. Area. A construction sign may not exceed thirty-two square feet in area. Signs for home improvement projects may not exceed six square feet in area.

3. Height. A freestanding construction sign may not exceed eight feet in height.

4. Location. Construction signs must be parallel to a public right-of-way, but may not encroach into the right-of-way.

5. Time Limit. A construction sign may not be erected until after the issuance of the applicable building permit. The sign must be removed before a certificate of occupancy is issued. A sign for a home improvement project shall be removed upon completion of the home improvement.

6. Lighting. Construction signs may not be illuminated.

B. Flags.

1. Number. Flag poles may be erected on any parcel with a limit of three flags per flag pole, which may include a flag of the United States, California, the city, or a corporate or philanthropic or charitable use.

2. Area. The size of any flag must be compatible with the size and design of the flag pole. All flags must be contained within the property boundaries where they are displayed.

3. Height. An applicant must obtain a building permit for all poles that are six feet or higher, and the height of the flag pole may not exceed that height permitted for structures in the zone in which it is intended to be erected.

4. Lighting. Flags may be illuminated.

C. Future Construction Signs.

1. Number. Any parcel approved for future construction is permitted one future construction sign.

2. Area. A future construction sign may not exceed thirty-two square feet in area.

3. Height. A future construction sign may not exceed eight feet in height.

4. Location. Future construction signs must be erected parallel to a public right-of-way but may not encroach into the right-of-way.

5. Time Limit. A future construction sign may be erected following approval of a planned development permit, conditional use permit or similar entitlement. In the event, construction does not start within one year following the date of the applicable approval, the sign must be removed unless an extension of time is approved by the director. The sign must be removed, if a construction sign is erected and must be removed in any event before a certificate of occupancy is issued.

6. Lighting. Future construction signs may not be illuminated.

D. Public Convenience Signs. Public convenience signs may be authorized and approved by the director when the director finds such signs are necessary. No sign may exceed five square feet in area.

E. Real Estate Signs.

1. Number and Area.

a. In agricultural, residential, and open space zones, one wall-mounted or freestanding real estate sign is permitted for a parcel on each street frontage; provided the sign does not exceed six square feet in area for each sign face. Mobilehome parks may have a real estate sign that does not exceed sixteen square feet in area for each face.

b. In the commercial and industrial zones, one wall-mounted or freestanding real estate sign is permitted for a parcel on each street frontage; provided the sign does not exceed twenty-four square feet in area for each sign face.

2. Height. Freestanding real estate signs may not exceed the following heights:

a. In the agricultural, residential, and open space zones, signs may not exceed six feet (eight feet for mobilehome parks).

b. In the commercial and industrial zones, signs may not exceed eight feet.

3. Location. Freestanding real estate signs may be placed in front yard set back areas, provided such signs are located at least ten feet away from any adjacent street.

4. Time Limit. All real estate signs must be removed within fifteen days after the applicable property has been rented, leased or sold.

5. Lighting. Real estate signs may not be illuminated.

F. Reserved.

G. Reserved.

H. Reserved.

I. Temporary Agricultural Stand Signs. Temporary agricultural stands are permitted thirty square feet of wall sign area on the building frontage on a public street. No sign may be illuminated.

J. Temporary Freestanding Noncommercial Signs.

1. General Regulations.

(a) Number. In residential zones only, each parcel is permitted two temporary freestanding noncommercial signs at all times. Such signs are in addition to all other signage allowed in this chapter.

(b) Area. A temporary freestanding noncommercial sign may not exceed six square feet in area.

(c) Height. A temporary freestanding noncommercial sign may not exceed four feet in height.

(d) Location. Temporary freestanding noncommercial signs may be placed in the front yard, rear or side yard of any property; provided, that the signs do not encroach into any public right-of-way.

(e) Lighting. Temporary freestanding noncommercial signs may not be illuminated.

2. Election Period Regulations. During any election period, the following additional opportunities for temporary noncommercial signs are permitted, subject to the following regulations:

(a) Number. Each parcel in all zones is permitted eight temporary freestanding noncommercial signs. Such signs are in addition to all other signage allowed in this chapter.

(b) Area. In agricultural, commercial, and industrial zones, no temporary freestanding noncommercial sign may exceed thirty-two square feet in area per face. The sign may be double-faced if it is placed perpendicular to the right-of-way. In residential areas, no temporary freestanding noncommercial sign may exceed six square feet in total area per face and may be double-faced.

(c) Height. In residential zones, a temporary freestanding noncommercial sign may not exceed four feet in height from the adjacent ground level in front or side-yard areas or three feet in height from the top of any rear-yard wall or fence if posted on top of a rear-yard wall or fence. In agricultural, commercial, and industrial zones, the bottom of the sign may not exceed four feet in height, and the top of the sign may not exceed 10 feet in height.

(d) Location. Temporary freestanding noncommercial signs may be placed in the front, rear or side yard of any property; provided, that the signs do not encroach into any public right-of-way.

(e) Lighting. Temporary freestanding noncommercial signs may not be illuminated.

(f) Removal. All of the additional temporary freestanding noncommercial signs permitted during an election period must be removed within seven days following the end of the election period.

K. Window Signs. One temporary window sign, not to exceed six square feet in area or twenty-five percent of the window area of any single window, whichever is greater, is permitted on each building frontage in all zones (except in commercial zones where window signs are permitted subject to Section 17.04.110(M) of this code).

(Ord. 979 § 3 (part), 2005.)

(Ord. No. 1098, § 2, 10-8-2014; Ord. No. 1122, § 3, 3-23-2016; Ord. No. 1128, § 3, 9-28-2016)

In addition to any other applicable signage allowed under this chapter, the following signage is permitted in residential zones:

A. Multifamily Housing. Apartment, condominium and townhouse projects are permitted one identification sign, which may be a monument sign or a wall sign, not exceeding twenty square feet in area per face, eight feet in height, if a monument sign, and may be shadow lighted.

B. Mobilehome Parks. Each mobilehome park is permitted one lighted or unlighted identification sign. The sign area may not exceed thirty square feet, if single-faced or twenty square feet, if double-faced, and the sign height may not exceed six feet.

C. Public Facilities. In all residential zones, churches, schools, hospitals, public facilities, conditional and special uses are permitted:

1. One lighted or unlighted double-faced monument or freestanding sign, not to exceed 40 square feet in area, with the location to be determined by the director. A monument sign may not exceed eight feet in height, and a freestanding sign may not exceed twelve feet in height. Changeable copy is permitted and can include an electronic display equipped with an ambient light control sensor. The display cannot move or flash and the content must be static for a minimum of four hours. The maximum size of the display is thirty-two square feet per side and counts toward the maximum sign area.

2. One Wall sign on each street or parking lot frontage is permitted on public buildings. A Wall sign may not exceed two square feet in area for each lineal foot of building frontage along the street or parking lot.

3. One temporary banner sign, not to exceed thirty-six square feet in area. A banner sign may be erected up to four times a year for a period not to exceed thirty days. The banner sign must be removed within five days of the conclusion of any event or activity which it advertises.

(Ord. 979 § 3 (part), 2005.)

(Ord. No. 2022, § 4, 9-11-2024)

In addition to any other applicable signage allowed under this chapter, the following signage is permitted in commercial zones.

A. An individual use on a separate parcel of land which is not a part of a planned development area, where the project does not share similar landscape features, common accessways, reciprocal parking or similar architectural features.

B. Shopping centers as defined in section 17.04.020

C. Office Complex or Shopping Center

D. Hotels and Motels

E. Assembly uses of 100 or more persons for meetings or entertainment and where such meetings or entertainment occurs on a regular basis

F. Multi-screen Theaters

G. Gasoline Service Stations

H. Commercial Drive-Thru Restaurant

I. Additional Signs Permitted for Each Business in a Commercial Zone

(Ord. 979 § 3 (part), 2005.)

(Ord. No. 1098, § 3, 10-8-2014; Ord. No. 1138, § 3, 1-25-2017)

In addition to any other applicable signage allowed under this chapter, the following signage is permitted in industrial zones:

A. Monument and Wall Identification Signs.

1. Number. Each separate business is permitted one identification sign, which may be a wall sign or a monument sign, if there is a single user on a separate parcel.

2. Area. The following regulations in determining maximum sign area are applied:

a. In general, the total sign area for any one business frontage may not exceed one and one-half square feet of area per lineal foot of frontage of that dimension of the building facing on a street or parking lot up to a maximum of sixty feet of frontage (i.e., ninety feet of sign area).

b. For businesses that contain a frontage upon a street or parking lot along one dimension in excess of sixty feet, the sign area may be increased one square foot for every two feet of building frontage in excess of sixty feet of frontage up to one hundred feet of frontage and one square foot of sign area for each four feet of frontage in excess of one hundred feet.

c. A business in a building facing on more than one street or public parking lot is allowed the authorized sign area on each street or parking lot upon which it fronts; provided the area may not be accumulated on one lineal dimension of the building and may not exceed the allowed area on any one dimension of the building.

d. Businesses maintained exclusively on the second floor of a two-story building are entitled to fifty percent of the sign area authorized for the business frontage. This does not reduce the sign area permitted for the first floor.

e. Buildings containing more than two stories are limited to the sign area authorized for the first floor area in accordance with subsection (A)(2)(a) of this section. However, such buildings may also have one wall identification sign for the entire building or a tenant in the building that may be placed above the first floor of the building; provided, that the sign area for this wall identification sign does not exceed the area authorized by subsection (A)(2)(d) of this section.

3. Location. Identification signs must be placed on the building frontage that is located adjacent to the street or parking lot from which its maximum allowable size is determined.

4. Height. Monument identification signs may not exceed eight feet in height and wall identification signs may not exceed twenty feet in height.

B. Public Convenience Signs. The director may approve public convenience signs to be placed on the building in numbers and locations as approved by the director. No public convenience sign may exceed twenty-five square feet in area.

C. Directory Signs. Business directory signs may be placed in an industrial complex on a display surface, either wall-mounted or freestanding, containing a sign face of no more than sixteen square feet per face in area. A business directory sign may be interior or exterior illuminated. The general design, location and number of directory signs will be determined by the director.

D. Multitenant Industrial Project Signs. In a multitenant industrial project, in addition to the sign area authorized for all industrial uses under this section, a multitenant sign may be utilized subject to the following regulations:

1. Each use is allowed one space in the sign identifying the use.

2. Area. The multitenant sign may be single-faced or double-faced with a maximum area of thirty-two square feet per face, including four square feet in area per use.

3. Location. The multitenant sign may be placed in the setback area or on the building face.

4. Height. If freestanding, the multitenant sign may not exceed six feet in height.

5. Lighting. The sign may have interior illumination or indirect lighting or shadow lighting.

6. The number of multitenant signs, sign placement and design will be determined by the director.

E. Airport Industrial Park Identification Signs.

1. One identification monument sign may be placed at each entrance to the Camarillo airport industrial park, with a height not to exceed eight feet, and a total sign area of not more than one hundred square feet, or fifty square feet per face, if a two-faced sign.

2. Another monument identification sign may also be placed where the airport property abuts a public right-of-way and where no public access is provided. This sign may also not exceed fifty square feet per face and eight feet in height. The sign must include the name of the airport and may include a changeable copy panel not greater than forty square feet in area.

3. A marquee sign with changeable copy is also permitted; provided, that the sign copy is not changed more often than once every four consecutive hours. Advertising on the marquee sign is limited to coming events, activities or other uses scheduled at the Camarillo airport.

4. Directory signs are permitted; provided, that no sign may exceed thirty-two square feet in area per face.

F. Banner Signs. In addition to all other applicable signage allowed under this chapter, temporary banner signs are permitted as follows:

1. Number. A maximum of one temporary banner sign is permitted.

2. Area. A temporary banner sign may not exceed thirty-six square feet in area.

3. Location. A temporary banner sign must be placed on the building frontage facing a public street or parking lot.

4. Time Limits. Temporary banner signs are permitted up to four times a year for a period not to exceed thirty days at a time with a minimum of thirty days between each period in which a banner is displayed.

(Ord. 979 § 3 (part), 2005.)

(Ord. No. 1097, § 3, 10-8-2014)

The following signs are prohibited in all zones:

A. Banner signs, bunting, streamers, pennants and flags, except banner signs as permitted under Sections 17.04.100(C), 17.04.110(E) and 17.04.120(F) of this chapter, and flags as permitted under Section 17.04.090(C) of this chapter;

B. Devices projecting or otherwise reproducing the image of a sign or message on any surface or object;

C. Flashing signs;

D. Hand-held commercial signs;

E. Inflatable signs;

F. Mobile signs;

G. Moving, rotating or animated signs;

H. Off-site signs;

I. Outdoor advertising structures;

J. Portable commercial signs;

K. Projecting signs;

L. Roof signs;

M. Signs located in such a manner to constitute a potential traffic hazard or obstruct the view of any authorized traffic sign or signal device, or designed to resemble or conflict with any authorized traffic control sign;

N. Signs emitting audible sounds, odors or particulate matter.

(Ord. 979 § 3 (part), 2005.)

(Ord. No. 1097, § 3, 10-8-2014)

A. Unsafe Signs. Any unsafe sign may be removed by the city without prior notice. Alternatively, the director may issue a notice of violation and give the permit holder, property owner or person in possession and control of the property fifteen days to cure the violation. In the case of an unsafe sign removed by the city, the costs of such removal and storage shall be borne by the permit holder, property owner, or person in possession and control of the property, as applicable, and may be collected by the city in the same manner as it collects any other debt or obligation. No unsafe sign that has been removed and stored by the city may be released until the costs of removal and storage have been paid. If an unsafe sign remains unclaimed for a period of thirty days after notice of removal is sent to the permit holder, property owner, or person in possession and control of the property, it will be deemed to be unclaimed personal property and may be disposed of in accordance with the law.

B. Illegal Signs. Any illegal sign must be removed or brought into conformity by the permit holder, property owner, or person in possession and control of the property following written notice from the director. Such notice must specify the nature of the violation, order the cessation thereof and require either the removal of the sign or the execution of remedial work in the time and in the manner specified by the notice. The time for removal or repair may not be less than fifteen days from the date of mailing the notice. The director's order may be appealed to the planning commission in the manner provided in Section 17.04.150 of this chapter.

C. Legal Nonconforming Signs—Special Circumstances. In accordance with California Business and Profession Code Section 5499, no legal nonconforming sign will be required to be removed on the sole basis of its height or size, if special topographic circumstances would result in a material impairment of visibility of the sign or the owner's or user's ability to adequately and effectively continue to communicate to the public through the use of the sign. The owner or user may maintain the sign at the premises and at a location necessary for continued public visibility at the height or size at which the sign was previously lawfully erected pursuant to all applicable codes, regulations and permits. Any such sign will be deemed to be in conformance with this chapter.

D. Abatement of Signs. Whenever the permit holder, property owner, or person in possession or control of the property fails to comply with an order of the director requiring compliance with this chapter, the city may abate any such sign in the manner set forth in Chapter 9.17 of this code.

E. Removal and Redemption of Political Signs on Public Property. Political signs on public property or in the public right-of-way will be removed by the city. The city is not required to notify the owner before removing a sign.

1. After removing the sign, the city shall attempt to notify the owner of the removed political sign, if such information can be ascertained, to inform the owner of the procedures for retrieving the sign.

2. Abandonment of Political Signs. Any political sign removed by the city may be considered abandoned if it is not retrieved within ninety days after the date of such removal, and may be disposed of by the City without liability.

3. Sign Redemption Fee. The city council may impose a sign redemption fee by adoption of a resolution for signs collected by the city that the owner would like to recover. The fee may only be imposed per sign collected by the city after the city has collected fifteen political signs from public property or the public right-of-way by the same political sign owner, as determined by the city. The fee would cover in part the city's cost to retrieve, collect and store the political sign.

(Ord. 979 § 3 (part), 2005.)

(Ord. No. 2020, § 3(C), 6-12-2024)

A. General Procedure. Any person seeking to appeal a decision of the director or planning commission granting or denying an application for issuance of a sign permit, revoking a permit or ordering the remediation or removal of a sign, may appeal such action, first to the planning commission, if pertaining to a decision of the director, and if dissatisfied with the decision of the planning commission, then to the city council in the manner provided by this section.

B. Effective Date of Decision. Decisions of the director or planning commission under this chapter will be final and conclusive on the tenth consecutive calendar day following the date of the director's or planning commission's decision, unless an effective timely and complete appeal is filed as provided in this section.

C. Form of Appeal. An appeal must:

1. Be in writing on a form provided by the department of community development;

2. Identify the director's or planning commission's action to which the appeal relates;

3. Be filed with the department prior to the decision to which the appeal relates becomes final; and

4. Be accompanied by a processing fee in an amount set by the city council.

D. Stay of Proceedings. The timely filing of an effective appeal will stay the decision of the director or planning commission to which the appeal relates pending final action by the planning commission or city council on the matter.

E. Hearing. The department shall expeditiously schedule a hearing before the planning commission or city council, as applicable, not later than thirty days after the notice of appeal is received by the city and give written notice of the time and place of the hearing to the appellant; provided, however, the hearing may be held after such thirty-day period upon the request or concurrence of the appellant. Action on the appeal shall be taken at the time of the hearing by the planning commission or city council, as applicable, unless the appellant requests a continuance.

F. Judicial Review. Any person dissatisfied with the final action taken by the city council may seek prompt judicial review of such decision pursuant to California Code of Civil Procedure Section 1094.8.

(Ord. 979 § 3 (part), 2005.)